The cashmere, the cozy wool, the LEGGINGS. Yes, fall is here, like for real, and we’re here for it. Peep our latest drop – just a few feel good styles courtesy of HATCH that’ll have you bumping around from work to play to every stop in-between. It’s outside-times-meets-inside times. For whatever you’re up to, even if it’s nothing at all.
In the interest of transparency I’d like to share that I’ve been trying to write this for months.
I’ve written several opening paragraphs, most of which are full of terrible dad humor (I’m probably two years away from seeing a fanny pack as convenient rather than hilarious). As you’re about to see, I’m a novice writer in the first place. I do get to write often because of the platform I’ve been given as a musician, and I rarely have a hard time getting started on a piece. This one’s been hard. I think that’s the case because I’m sharing thoughts on something that society has told us isn’t too big of a deal. Americans, and women in particular, are expected to just move on from miscarriage. Truth is, it’s tragic, and just because something is common doesn’t make it any less traumatic. I realized I wasn’t alone in how I felt after a concert in which I finally decided to be open with the audience as to why I always squeeze a solo piano performance of “Over the Rainbow” into my shows.
I typically take a moment at each of my concerts to have the audio engineer turn the sound system off while I play “Over the Rainbow,” and let a Steinway grand ring out through the venue. One night a few years back while introducing the song, I told the crowd I’d like to dedicate “Over the Rainbow” to my wife, Amanda, who is the best mother in the world to our “rainbow baby.” While meeting folks after the concert, I was shocked at the amount of people who took the time to share their experiences with pregnancy loss. Some people went into detail, and others just looked me in the eye while crying as if to say “I’ve been there too,” and we shared a feeling of peace. I even had bandmates, who are my best friends, let me know they’ve been there with their own families. Think about that: these are friends that I’ve traveled the world to make music with, and I’d only found out they’d experienced miscarriage after I opened up about it in front of crowd of people.
Why did it take an extreme circumstance for my friends to open up to me? More importantly, why did so many women tell me they’d never been outward with their experiences, and they’d finally felt welcomed to do so after it was mentioned at a concert? I think it’s because our society takes for granted how tough women are, and that’s not OK. Our society also implies that men need to be tougher than they actually are, which also isn’t OK. To make the matter more complicated, we’re talking about something that’s common, with a high percentage of pregnancies ending in miscarriage. But something being common doesn’t make it less traumatic.
Our society takes for granted how tough women are, and that’s not OK.
Amanda is one of the best speech language pathologists in the business. If you think being a musician is cool, my wife is often the key piece in enabling a little person to communicate with the world, when they otherwise might not be able to — that’s cool. I share that to say she’s an even better mom. When we first met, she let me know that she wanted to be a mom one day — this was her dream! When we found out we were expecting for the first time, we waited to tell family until she was a little further along, but decided to tell immediate family around eight weeks. Then, she began experiencing a miscarriage. The waiting for information was probably the worst part. In the middle of us waiting on some lab results, a lady at church even razzed us with a, “What’s taking you guys so long? Where’s the little one?” Amanda just smiled and gave a humorous answer.
As gritty and tough as that was, I hope that by the time my kids are adults, they wouldn’t feel the need to hesitate in saying, “I’m actually losing one this very second. Right now, while we’re talking. Please don’t ask those kind of questions.” I was on the sidelines watching the toughest person I know muscle through the whole thing, every bit of which would’ve physically and mentally broke me. I’m sharing all of this for a reason. Amanda didn’t sign up for public life, and we typically stay private about all things family, but she’s never flinched at the opportunity to be open about her experience. That’s a bravery and toughness that I hope isn’t required of the next generation when it comes to these topics. She went through something that involved major surgeries, and our culture expected her to be at work two days later, because it’s a “common thing.”
I hesitate to even comment on the experience from my perspective because there wasn’t much I could do. That still didn’t take away from the connection I felt to the new life that was in my wife. I’d already sang songs to her belly. I didn’t experience anything physical, but it was still hard. I had to leave for tour the day it became certain she was miscarrying. I was lucky to be around people I consider brothers, but it was still somewhat awkward and taboo to talk about. However, that night my friend Josh Cross (our guitarist) stopped me from getting in my bus bunk to go to bed after the show. He just looked at me and said, “It’s OK. You don’t have to keep it in.” I sobbed to the point that he needed a new shirt. I probably spent twenty minutes crying on his shoulders. I didn’t feel alone afterwards. How many guys who’ve gone through a pregnancy loss haven’t had a friend do that for them? I would bet the vast majority of men never felt welcomed to share their true feelings. I’m sure my dad didn’t. My dad is my best friend, but I’ve never heard him mention the miscarriages he and mom experienced, and I know they were traumatic.
In the end, Amanda and I have wound up extremely blessed. We have two kids who are healthy and happy, but we all know folks who are so deserving of parenthood that go through so much and things may or may not work out for them. The experience has shown me the value of being connected to the people around us in a way that encourages showing love and support. Ultimately, going through miscarriage taught us the importance of being able to lean on each other. If you’re going through something, it’s okay to talk about it. It’s also okay to not talk about it. What isn’t okay is feeling pressured to handle life changing situations in any way other than what feels right to you. I’m fortunate to be married to somebody strong enough to break norms and set that example.
‘American Hymn’ is a songbook of instrumental music composed by Nashville based pianist and composer Kory Caudill. It’s a stunning collection of instrumental songs that empathize with human emotions during some of the toughest and most important moments that society has experienced in the past year and a half. Listen to ‘American Hymn’ here: fanlink.to/americanhymn
If you are looking for advice on what to do when it comes to postpartum hair loss, Marie Mignon, VP of Research and Development at Prose Haircare, is the perfect sounding board. (Side note: did you know that all the chemists at Prose are women—and many are mamas?)
If you’re struggling with postpartum hair woes (and if you’re postpartum, you are almost definitely struggling with hair woes), we highly recommend looking into Prose’s Root Source™ hair supplements as an affordable (under $50) solution. Not only because it was created by moms that get it, but because, science.
“Root Source™ is a 2-capsule hair supplement system that addresses multiple factors that affect hair loss to help balance the scalp and improve hair health and growth,” Mignon tells Babe. It’s designed to be taken daily and within a few weeks of use, your scalp should feel more balanced and hair should start feeling softer and stronger. Some Prose Root Source™ users even noted growing stronger nails thanks to their supplements. While results may vary, consistency and commitment will yield better results. It can take 3 months to start noticing new baby hairs forming, but good things come to those who wait (as all moms know).
Also chic: it’s made entirely from clean, vegan, plant-based ingredients backed by clinical results. No soy, nuts, gluten, GMOs, synthetic fillers or additives. No artificial flavors or colors. No drug ingredients like finasteride and minoxidil. Root Source™ also doesn’t target the DHT hormone system, which other natural options like saw palmetto can do. As with many things postpartum, we always recommended consulting with your doctor first, before adding a new supplement into your routine.
How does this hair growth supplement work, you ask? “The first personalized capsule is filled with a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, and antioxidants that target your specific root cause of thinning hair and promote a balanced scalp.” Mignon details. The second capsule is a soft gel made of a proprietary blend of ingredients called PureCatalyst™ that stimulates the hair bulb to grow faster and hold tighter.
Some ingredients you may find in said custom supplements? Saffron, turmeric, zinc, hibiscus, or spirulina—all known scalp-balancing ingredients. So whether you’re needing something calming, purifying, or hydrating, Root Source™ has ingredients known to target your needs.
“Our ingredients have been specifically selected to target any source of hair shedding, hair thinning, and to promote hair growth,” Mignon explains. “Our very own consultation covers more than 80 parameters that consider scalp and hair types, goals, needs, lifestyle factors, and more.”
Led by two in-house scientists in collaboration with external experts (like a board-certified dermatologist), it took 18 months to develop the formulas behind Root Source™. That’s an entire pregnancy, plus some. So, as mamas looking for postpartum hair loss solutions, make sure to check out Prose’s Root Source™ and go out and live your best postpartum hair life.
Get 15% off your Prose Root Source™ order when you subscribe!
This article was written in partnership with Prose.
All of us expecting mothers can finally breathe a sigh of relief because a void has been filled in the world of maternity clothing. HATCH is a company for maternity solutions that don’t look like maternity. They offer the pieces that can help you make each moment of pregnancy more enjoyable. How does this inspiring brand do it? By allowing you to find the clothing and mama-safe skincare that aligns with your everyday sense of style when it’s not an everyday phase of your life.
Women give up a lot when they get pregnant—sushi, a second cup of coffee, that coveted Friday night glass of wine—but they don’t have to give up their style and the clothes that help them feel like themselves. HATCH can make it easy for expectant mamas to feel classy, glamorous, and just plain beautiful, even if they spend most of their time in joggers and cardigans. Their gorgeous silhouettes have become the bestselling maternity dresses, tops, and bottoms for chic and confidence-boosting pregnancy fashion.
With all the styles they offer, it’s no surprise that you can find something from HATCH for every occasion during your pregnancy. From professional environments to casual settings, formal outings, and everywhere in-between, HATCH can be the one-stop shop that provides all your maternity looks. You can even shop their curated collections for hospital bags, seasonal styles, babymoon must-haves, and the most comfortable, everyday outfits.
There is going to be clothing that you wear on repeat throughout pregnancy. While it’s totally fine to wear through your favorite pair of leggings and bras, you might want to have more than one pair on hand during pregnancy, just in case.
Everyday essentials like bike shorts, nursing bras, and underwear, among other must-haves for pregnancy, are available for you to bundle with HATCH. It’s like the founder and designers have been pregnant before or something because they actually offer what you need to maintain your sanity. The women behind HATCH know you can’t have enough of some necessary items for pre- and post-bun.
Speaking of clothing pre- and post-baby, HATCH lets you invest in your wardrobe—not just maternity wear. You can wear their timeless styles from the first trimester into the third trimester and long after. Even your nursing dress from HATCH can be worn before or after any period of breastfeeding. If you switch to formula or your baby is ready for an all-solids diet, you can still rock your HATCH nursing dress.
Regardless of whether or not you’re new to motherhood, you probably know that it was about time maternity and nursing clothes got an upgrade. HATCH can provide you with chic pieces and comfortable loungewear to help you feel beautiful even when you can’t wear those slim, designer shoes. They can be your go-to for on-trend maternity dresses, jumpsuits, leggings, bras, and other pieces that you might want to wear even when the bun comes out of the oven.
Stay true to yourself and your sense of style with HATCH at www.hatchcollection.com
Soon-to-be moms, first-time breastfeeding moms, and those moms who have been around the block can all use a little help—with styles, information, and personal entertainment. It’s no surprise that the premier destination for a mama’s ever-changing needs comes from people who have been there and done that. That’s where HATCH comes in. HATCH offers clothing and resources that can help make motherhood sexy, lovely, interesting, and just plain fun.
When you’re a completely different size and feeling emotional about all the change, it might be difficult to see the version of you from before pregnancy, but you’re still you! It’s important to feel like yourself, even when your life is about to belong to your baby. HATCH can help you stay true to your sense of style and self with their collections of maternity fashions. They design their clothing to help you feel like the real you, no matter which trimester you’re in. When you invest in a maternity outfit or a nursing dress from HATCH, you can get in tune with that sexy mama.
It’s one thing to know that there are other pregnant women in the world, but it’s another thing to know that there are other pregnant women who have been around the block, done all this stuff before, and are doing it again. HATCH not only offers high-quality maternity and nursing clothes, including maternity pants and nursing bras, they also encourage the incredible thing you’re doing with your body. They have an engaging blog called Babe by HATCH, curated self-care sets for moms-to-be, and validation for your experience. HATCH is the maternity clothing brand that sends a message saying, you can do it, mama!
Pregnancy isn’t always a lighthearted subject, but it’s always worth celebrating. There are so many things about being pregnant or being a mom that are exciting and just plain weird—weird enough to make you laugh. When you’re doing something as important as creating a life, sometimes you can use a good laugh along with some trustworthy information.
HATCH can help you tackle unusual questions and get honest answers that might make you chuckle, smile, or just nod your head in agreement. HATCH can also help you have some fun during even the uncomfortable parts of pregnancy with their adorable Belly Masks and luxurious Nipple + Lip Rescue Balm.
Pregnancy and motherhood can easily be described as both beautiful and challenging—but you never have to go through the challenges without feeling like your most beautiful self. With HATCH at your side, you can find maternity dresses and nursing clothes for the stylish woman you’ve always been, get a ton of helpful information and make the most of this beautiful and exciting time of your life.
Discover what HATCH can bring to your pregnancy journey at www.hatchcollection.com
You guyyyyyysssss….We did a thing. Yep, we added another collection to our brood. It’s our latest Target drop, The Nines by HATCH, bringing you cozy, wearable, bump-friendly-and-beyond pieces to usher in your pregnancy and postpartum days with comfy, transitional, Fall-lovin’ style. We think she’s pretty cute, and pretty cool, too (takes after mama).
Your body is constantly changing, and pregnancy is the perfect time to embrace the change. As you nurture and grow a tiny human, there’s no question that you should treat yourself to some new clothes. While shopping for maternity clothes, fit and function are key, but you can still find outfits you’ll love to wear. Take these top maternity clothes and make them your own to keep things cute, comfortable, and even a little elegant during your pregnancy.
When you’re pregnant, a well-made maternity dress can become a second skin. In addition to a dress that’s comfortable, you want one that isn’t going to go out of style anytime soon. After all, you could be planning on saving it for a future pregnancy, or you just want to wear the dress after the little one is born.
Brands are making game-changing maternity dresses in soft, light-weight materials comfortable enough to wear through every trimester. They can also be so pretty that you might never want to stop wearing them. Some of these maternity styles can also become the perfect nursing dress. Even though there are many options, maternity dress shopping is something you can look forward to as much as shopping for adorable baby clothes.
As well as a great dress, you should be on the lookout for something you can wear under it—a bra that can transition from second to third to fourth trimester. That means you could be shopping for a nursing bra, which is a bra with a nursing overlay. Nursing bras and other nursing clothes are incredibly convenient for any mama, whether they’re spending plenty of time inside the home or going out with their baby. You can even find everyday nursing bras designed with an easy-to-unhook, one-handed clasp.
If you’re not breastfeeding, you may not need a nursing bra. However, you might not know if that will be the case, so it’s best to prepare for any situation, from nursing to pumping to a matching bag to hold your formula.
An on-trend jumpsuit can become your best friend throughout your pregnancy. Seriously, what did pregnant women even do before jumpsuits were a thing? Jumpsuits are easy to style, and some can be worn through the last weeks of your pregnancy and well into your fourth trimester (hello, nursing jumpsuit).
These jumpsuits should be the on-trend and functional item that makes your life easier without sacrificing your style. Look for options with straightforward buttons or ties that you can loosen, tighten, secure, and untie for all wearing and nursing needs—bonus feature: pockets. Yes, you can definitely find one that meets all the criteria.
The right wardrobe can help you feel chic, comfortable, and more like yourself even when you feel the least like yourself. That’s really important whether you’re a first-time mom or the leader of a tribe. While preparing for a baby comes with its challenges, shopping for maternity clothing doesn’t have to be one of them. You can uncover your pregnancy style and discover how these maternity fashion essentials help you keep your composure well after your baby arrives.
Once in a while a children’s toy comes along that ignites the imagination, inspires creativity and empowers a child to inhabit a world of their own making, and all without wifi service! Meet HAUS, a minimal, flatpack, all-weather playhouse for kids three and up that promotes fun, exploration, and storytelling, and can reinvent itself at every turn. A reusable blank canvas for children to explore their creativity, HAUS transforms a room or a backyard into a haven for playing, reading, drawing, storytelling and it gives kids a space to make up their own stories and adventures.
HAUS founder, Janos Stone, comes from a long line of artists and designers interested in play. His grandparents, Gyorgy and Juliet Kepes, were members of the Bauhaus movement, and in the 1940s, their playroom helped establish the core principles for at-home creative play.
“I designed The Children’s HAUS during the first months of the pandemic,” says Stone. “Like every family stuck inside, our kids needed a space they could call their own inside of our home. I wanted something like a pop-up playground that would stimulate active play and keep their creative imaginations growing even if we couldn’t go outside.”
HAUS was designed to be open and welcoming while maintaining a natural connection between the inside and the outside world. It’s also made of 100 percent recyclable plastic and can be washed down after a fun day of drawing all over it. This winter, Stone will expand the product offerings with a series of modular accessories and add-ons that can be played with inside the classic HAUS. We love that this mini-house transforms itself into whatever the kids want to it to be and that it’s not an eyesore. But perhaps the best part of HAUS….is that it’s not a screen.
“My favorite app is Todoist to keep track of, yep, to-dos, groceries, and even lists of movies we’d like to see or new restaurants we’d like to hit up. It’s also easy to manage and sharable, so if my husband stop by the supermarket, he can see what I’ve put on the list and grab it.
Often times mamas will register for what their babe needs once they’re out in the world, but they don’t think about the essentials that’ll help them through the postpartum period. Fortunately we tapped Victoria Cairo, doula and mama of two (including one sweet new babe) who has it pretty dialed in when it comes to what new mamas need for the postpartum journey. From the little luxuries just for mom to milk-producing formulas she swears by, peep Victoria’s picks, below.
